The legendary Portuguese boss, who has had major success with a Premier League, La Liga and Serie A club in the past, had a job on his hands in taking a "sad team" - as he called it himself - struggling post Sir Alex Ferguson, back to the big time.

He's not quite there yet, but United fans are delighted with the direction in which their team is heading. They won the Europa League and EFL Cup last season, and this year have started in sensational fashion, winning three in three.

Jose Mourinho has taken Manchester United a very long way (Image: REUTERS)

Mourinho has a number of quality players at his disposal from Romelu Lukaku to Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but that wasn't always the case.

Here we look back at the first XI Mourinho ever selected for a 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Wigan. And it's eye-opening to say the least.

Gk: Sam Johnstone

A Manchester United youth product who is yet to make his competitive debut for the Old Trafford club, Johnstone was the first shot-stopper ever selected by Mourinho.

He was taken off late in the victory at the DW Stadium for Joel Castro Pereira and is today plying his trade on loan at Aston Villa.

Def: Timothy Fosu-Mensah

The Dutchman, who is currently on loan at Crystal Palace, made his Holland debut in their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of France this week, and played well, despite the unflattering scoreline putting a dent in that statement.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah is currently on loan at Crystal Palace

He started against Wigan as a right-back, and could well have a future at Manchester United should he continue to develop, despite Palace's woeful form of late.

Def: Eric Bailly

It was a big day for the young centre-back, who was Mourinho's first big-money signing, as he attempted to show the United fans what he could do.

The 23-year-old performed well on the day before coming off in the 84th minute, and has since become a valuable member of Mourinho's current Red Devils team.

Def: Daley Blind

Another player who has featured heavily for Manchester United post his initial inclusion against Wigan all the way back in 2016.

The Dutchman played just over 70 minutes on the day before being replaced by Tyler Blackett, and apparently proved to Mourinho he was worthy of more game time.

Def: Luke Shaw

Mourinho's first day in Manchester United management was coupled with the former Southampton left-back's long-awaited return from injury.

Understandably he played just one half of football on the day and impressed his boss. It was later on that their relationship would break down.

Mid: Ander Herrera

One of the heartbeats of the current Manchester United team. He hasn't featured heavily for the Red Devils this season, but last year was a stand-out player for his club.

Ander Herrera is a firm fans' favourite following his performances last season (Image: Rex Features)

Against Wigan he proved exactly why he would be so important for United, and it seems Mourinho considers him to be the model professional.

Mid: Michael Carrick (C)

This season Nemanja Matic will play where the legendary Man United midfielder has performed for the Red Devils over the years.

Despite his declining years, Carrick was at times invaluable for the Old Trafford club last season and steadied the ship as Mourinho set about making his mark.

Mid: Jesse Lingard

The youngster played half the game at the DW Stadium before being taken off for Adnan Januzaj, which suggests Mourinho was looking to see which winger took his fancy.

Jesse Lingard is still a part of Mourinho's plans at Old Trafford (Image: Getty)

With Lingard still in the team - although he'll be a squad player this season - and Januzaj at Real Sociedad, it seems he got the nod.

Mid: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Another new boy at the time making his debut for the club. Mkhitaryan showed United fans from the off they had a player on their hands.

But Mourinho was cautious with the Armenian last season, opting to use him sparingly. This year, however, he's very much a key component.

Mid: Memphis Depay

The Dutch winger was given a brilliant opportunity to show Mourinho what he could do in the Portuguese's first game in charge, but it seems he feel short.

Things never really worked out for Memphis Depay at Man United (Image: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty)

Things never really worked out for Depay after that either, and it wasn't long before he was shipped out to Ligue 1 club Lyon.

Fwd: James Wilson

And finally, Wilson. The young striker was selected up front by Mourinho for his first game in charge. Sure, it was a friendly, but his inclusion, and the fact he was replaced by Will Keane, showed just how little United had up front at that time.

The 21-year-old is currently still at Man United, after they turned down the opportunity to loan him out this transfer window. Maybe he's set to return to the first team?